Bandcamp Spotlight: Vienna Ditto

Voodoo Sc fi blues is a weird descriptor for a musical act a blatant understatement of course. After reading this descriptor piqued my interest as intended. I didn’t go in with high hopes after suffering through “Muppet Christ Superstar” and other oddities like the cacophony of experimental noise by Too Many Zooz. So I clicked on the title track of Vienna Ditto’s “Liar Liar” and was relieved and joyful that Bandcamp had finally answered my call for an enjoyable new artist.
Vienna Ditto is made up of singer Hattie Taylor and guitarist Nigel Firth. The duo meet when the latter was tutoring the former in guitar lessons when they were 11. The duo lost touch but eventually reunited by a chance meeting. The British duo was brought  back together by their love of dirty Chicagoan blues, dark psychedelia and gospel.
Vienna Ditto have yet to release a debut album and have released 4 EP’s. “Liar Liar” was released February 2013 not the latest release though that being September 2013s “Ugly, it is the current offering being recommended by Bandcamp.coms staff picks.

(Since the time of writing the duo released their first studio album in 2015 titled circle)

Bandcamp is a site for musicians where they can sell their music and merchandise and unlike other services, the artists keep most of the profits as well as are able to set their own prices. Bandcamp also allows artists to keep easy track of their fanbase and provided every format under the sun that their fans require.

The digital version of Vienna Ditto’s “Liar Liar” is name your own price allowing listeners to pay whatever amount they feel the EP is worth from $0 to however much they are willing to give.
The cover art of “Liar Liar” is a butterfly in silhouette with the words “Liar Liar” written on it. A simple yet elegantly complex cover a taste of things to come.
“Liar Liar”

This is the title track of the EP and its namesake. Near the end of this track Voodoo, Scfi blues does not seem like a too far off descriptor for this duo. Heavy drumming and alien-like phaser sounds interlude near the end of this track. This first track is a strong showing that hooks the listener in and makes them crave more.  Lyrics like “Your mouth runs away like your tongue is on fire” over heavy drumming and dark electronic sounds create a unique track that leaves the listener wondering what’s to come next.

“The Undefeated”

This track has a southern feel where the blues influence can easily be heard. The lyrics also help with his with “Lord have mercy on us all” This track sounds like a dark electronic version of a country or blues song. The chord progression may remind the listener of Johnny Cash’s “God’s Gonna Cut you down” while also holding a southern Gothic feel the latter lacks. This sounds like a track that should be following Cole and Rust on HBO’s true detective.

“What Comes My Way”

This is my least favorite track on this EP. The vocals remain “spooky and sexy” as described by members of their site. But I don’t have much to say about this track. It is a fine piece but doesn’t draw much from me.
“Little Fingers”

This my favorite track on this EP. The vocal performance is both “spooky” and entrancing. I especially like the delivery of “Let it be undone nothing lasts forever” near the midway point of the track. The combination of dark melody and Taylor’s vocals stand out the most on this track and I believe is the highlight of this solid EP.
Overall Thoughts

Those seeking spooky melody with gospel influence should come on down. As well as those just interested in trying an uncommon fusion of style perfect for soundtracks.

https://viennaditto.bandcamp.com/album/liar-liar bandcamp.com